ENGLAND BEAT SWEDEN TO QUALIFY; CHILE WIN GROUP F, ECUADOR AND IVORY COAST IN TO LAST 16

GROUP E CLIMAXIvory Coast 3-0 Belgium, Australia 0-1 Ecuador
Ivory Coast secured their passage in to the last 16 with a thumping win over a sorry Belgium side who simply didn't turn up when they needed to is Moscow (Spartak). Ivory Coast took an early lead, staying resolute at the back before two late goals completely crushed Belgium. The win was enough to take Ivory Coast through from Group E, but they were unsure of their final position ahead of Australia's meeting with Ecuador.

Victory for Ecuador would see them win the group, Australia needed a win to achieve the same feat. A tense game was played out and, with the score set to end goalless, an 80-yard strike won Ecuador the game in stoppage time when their midfielder curled round and somehow got around a crowd of bodies in the six yard box to flick the ball in from on the line past the Aussie goalkeeper.

GROUP F CLIMAXSweden 1-3 England, Iran 1-2 Chile
England knew realistically only a win would do in Kazan against Sweden to make 100% sure of their place in the last 16. An early strike set them on their way, only to be pegged back by a determined Sweden side. England came again and forced the ball home from an acute angle to regain the lead, before a let penalty made sure of the victory and a place in the knockout round.

Chile raced in to a two-goal lead against already eliminated Iran before they got one back, but Chile saw the game out despite late pressure to finish top of Group F. It means Chile will face Ivory Coast in the last 16, whilst England face Ecuador - the latter scoring two of the best goals of the World Cup so far.

Friday sees the final group games played, Group G and Group H come to their climax. Full report from Russia, as well as the confirmed last 16 draw, later tomorrow.

Attachments

How Group E and Group F finished

IMG_1001.jpg (88.68 KiB) Viewed 1674 times

England secure victory over Sweden with a late penalty in Kazan

IMG_0998.jpg (179.05 KiB) Viewed 1674 times

England bundle the ball home to regain their lead against Sweden

IMG_0997.jpg (207.97 KiB) Viewed 1674 times

Nearest player in the shot, he went 80 yards to tap the ball just over the line for Ecuador as they edged Australia 1-0 in Nizhny Novgorod

IMG_0995.jpg (205.69 KiB) Viewed 1674 times

The celebrations are back from the Ivory Coast, this after their first of three strikes against Belgium

GROUP G CLIMAXMexico 2-0 Poland, Greece 0-3 Algeria
With Poland already through, Mexico knew they had to win to have any chance of catching Greece in second place. They and Algeria both started two points behind Greece. Mexico controlled the game in Kaliningrad and got their reward by comfortably beating Poland 2-0.

It was all set up for a thriller in Saransk. Greece now needed to win to stay above Mexico on goal difference, and Algeria had to win by three goals to finish second above Mexico on goals scored. After a positive start from Greece, Algeria took the lead in the first half to dent their opponents hopes, at the moment Mexico were heading through and it didn't seem likely Algeria would get the goals they needed to go above them. Think again - Algeria roared forward and as Greece's hopes completely faded, Algeria scored two goals to win 3-0 and finish above Mexico in second. A quite incredible turn of events on the final day of the group stage.

GROUP H CLIMAXUSA 0-1 Germany, Italy 1-2 Argentina
All to play for in this one. Germany knew a 2-0 win or higher would see them through on goal difference ahead of Argentina if Italy won, or finish above Italy on points if Argentina avoided defeat. Germany would go out if they won 1-0 and Italy won 1-0, they'd be below Italy on GD and Argentina on head to head.

Germany could only manage a 1-0 win which set things up nicely between Italy and Argentina in Samara. Argentina were under pressure from the start and Italy fed on that to take the lead, only for Argentina to equalise from the kick off. A late strike won the game for Argentina who finished top, as they kept the ball as far away from their goal as possible since equalising. Italy ran out of steam and had the wind knocked out of their sails after Argentina levelled immediately after taking the lead.

All that leaves the last 16 looking like this, with games to begin on Tuesday:

Holland 1-0 Spain
Holland scored a last minute winner to defeat Euro 2016 winners Spain and advance to the quarter finals in Russia. A tense game from both teams who tried to score whilst on the attack, but they had men behind the ball when defending making it difficult for their opponents to score. Holland netted from a lapse as extra time loomed, and went through with the last kick of the match.

France 2-1 Brazil
Not as close as the score suggests this one but the better team won. France raced ahead with two clinical finishes from their winger, and they also missed a glorious chance to make it 3-0 just before Brazil scored to get back in to the game. A terrific save denied France a third when a powerful strike was saved on to the crossbar, but France saw the job through and deservedly knocked out another of the tournament favourites.

QUARTER FINAL 1: HOLLAND V FRANCE

Ecuador 1-2 England
Wednesday's play began with England edging past a stubborn Ecuador side but again, another deserved win for the better side. England went ahead with a drilled effort from the edge of the box which flashed in, before a quick equaliser stunned England. They went on to win with a late strike which ensured they went through to the quarters.

Poland 0-0 Germany - Germany win 5-4 on penalties
A grudge match between two rival nations which went in to extra time and ended goalless. Not much to report in this one, a lot of tension and as the match wore on, it was evident we were heading for spot kicks. Poland did miss a good chance in extra time, but Germany defended the shot. Poland missed their second spot kick, and that was all the encouragement Germany needed who were faultless from the spot - as usual - to go through.

QUARTER FINAL 2: ENGLAND V GERMANY

Attachments

Poland and Germany prepare for penalties in Rostov-on-Don

IMG_1015.jpg (138.69 KiB) Viewed 1563 times

England celebrate their winner as they neat Ecuador 2-1 to reach the quarter finals

IMG_1014.jpg (204.8 KiB) Viewed 1563 times

England go ahead with a brilliant strike from outside the box

IMG_1013.jpg (201.39 KiB) Viewed 1563 times

France take an early lead in their deserved win over Brazil in the last 16

IMG_1011.jpg (146.75 KiB) Viewed 1563 times

Holland's last gasp winner which broke Spain hearts as it crept in via the post

Holland 1-0 Spain
Holland scored a last minute winner to defeat Euro 2016 winners Spain and advance to the quarter finals in Russia. A tense game from both teams who tried to score whilst on the attack, but they had men behind the ball when defending making it difficult for their opponents to score. Holland netted from a lapse as extra time loomed, and went through with the last kick of the match.

France 2-1 Brazil
Not as close as the score suggests this one but the better team won. France raced ahead with two clinical finishes from their winger, and they also missed a glorious chance to make it 3-0 just before Brazil scored to get back in to the game. A terrific save denied France a third when a powerful strike was saved on to the crossbar, but France saw the job through and deservedly knocked out another of the tournament favourites.

QUARTER FINAL 1: HOLLAND V FRANCE

Ecuador 1-2 England
Wednesday's play began with England edging past a stubborn Ecuador side but again, another deserved win for the better side. England went ahead with a drilled effort from the edge of the box which flashed in, before a quick equaliser stunned England. They went on to win with a late strike which ensured they went through to the quarters.

Poland 0-0 Germany - Germany win 5-4 on penalties
A grudge match between two rival nations which went in to extra time and ended goalless. Not much to report in this one, a lot of tension and as the match wore on, it was evident we were heading for spot kicks. Poland did miss a good chance in extra time, but Germany defended the shot. Poland missed their second spot kick, and that was all the encouragement Germany needed who were faultless from the spot - as usual - to go through.

Ghana 1-0 South Korea
Ghana were the better side in this one and restricted their opponents to no shots on goal in a complete performance. One goal enough to win it, and Ghana move on to the quarter finals and continue their excellent journey in Russia.

Switzerland 0-1 Peru
Switzerland were tipped as dark horses after their qualifying campaign, but that went after the defeat to Trinidad. Beating Brazil in the group stage made people think again, and a last 16 game against Peru - who only made it this far by the drawing of lots - had people thinking a quarter final place could be on the cards. It wasn't to be, Peru found the net midway through the game to seal a quarter final spot.

QUARTER FINAL 3: GHANA V PERU

Chile 2-1 Ivory Coast
Chile's narrow front three were too much for Ivory Coast to handle, two early goals setting the tone in this game. They should have added a third before Ivory Coast scored to restore hope, and a complete miscue at the end from the African side could have forced extra time, but an air shot let Chile off the hook.

Argentina 3-0 Algeria
After coming through a tough group, Argentina possibly had an easier time of things in the last 16 against Algeria. Nevertheless, they took nothing for granted and sent out a warning to the other quarter finalists after a free-flowing attacking display brought three first half goals to which African champions Algeria had no answer. The only team to win by more than a goal in this round, Argentina will certainly be the one the four European teams in the top half of the draw won't want in the final.

QUARTER FINAL 4: CHILE V ARGENTINA

Quarter final ties to be played next weekend. Players now enjoying a deserved break after a hefty three week schedule.

Attachments

Argentina make it three with a lovely crisp strike from the left back

IMG_1020.jpg (149.07 KiB) Viewed 1503 times

Celebrations as Argentina go in front against Algeria

IMG_1019.jpg (179.07 KiB) Viewed 1503 times

Chile take an early lead on their way to defeating the Ivory Coast

IMG_1018.jpg (150.18 KiB) Viewed 1503 times

Peru score the only goal to knock out Switzerland, here they celebrate with their fans sporting their away kit

IMG_1017.jpg (183.67 KiB) Viewed 1503 times

Ghana strike in Moscow (Luzhniki) to beat South Korea, the last game at this ground until the final

Holland 1-1 France (AET, 4-5 on penalties)
A tense first quarter final in Nizhny Novgorod wasn't a classic with both teams giving the ball away far too easily before Holland struck to take the lead. They thought they were in the semis until an injury time equaliser from France sent the game to extra time. Holland missed a great chance at the end to win it, but France held their nerve from the spot to seal a place in the last four.

England 1-1 Germany (AET, 2-4 on penalties)
Utter heartbreak for England as Germany gained revenge for their penalties defeat to England at Euro 2016 two years ago. England went ahead early in the game before buckling under German pressure late in the second half. A terrific save on to the bar in extra time denied Germany the win, with England fans feeling luck may have been on their side. However, two saves from the spot ensured Germany went through to face France in Tuesday's first semi final.

Attachments

The keeper gets a touch on the spot kick but it's not enough to stop it from going in as Germany beat England 4-2 on penalties

IMG_1039.jpg (210.53 KiB) Viewed 1407 times

German players celebrate by the corner flag after their equaliser against England

IMG_1037.jpg (175.42 KiB) Viewed 1407 times

A belter from outside the box gives England the lead in Kazan

IMG_1036.jpg (185.45 KiB) Viewed 1407 times

A dramatic equaliser sends the game in to extra time before France prevail on penalties

Ghana 1-0 Peru
The fairy tale came to an end for Peru in a thrilling end-to-end encounter in Sochi. Both teams went at each other and went for goals, with both teams having at least two early opportunities to take the lead. The decisive goal came near the end when a low strike left the keeper rooted to the spot as it went in at the near post.

Chile 1-2 Argentina - AET (FT 1-1)
Samara had the pleasure of hosting the all-South American quarter final and it didn't fail to disappoint. Chile's front three were a menace and the score could have been more for Chile if it weren't for two excellent saves and blocks. They did take the lead before Argentina got to grips with the task and equalised when their right back bombed forward and beat the keeper with a drilled finish. Extra time was played and right at the end, Argentina struck from a corner just seconds before penalties were due to be played, it was the last kick of the game and effectively became a golden goal for Argentina.

Ghana face Argentina in the semi final on Wednesday.

Attachments

Delight for Argentina who score with the last kick to go through to the semis; devastation for Chile and their fans

IMG_1045.jpg (152.67 KiB) Viewed 1365 times

Argentina hit back to send the game in to extra time, the third quarter final to end 1-1 after regulation time

IMG_1044.jpg (220.86 KiB) Viewed 1365 times

Chile go in front with the first goal of the quarter final

IMG_1043.jpg (186.45 KiB) Viewed 1365 times

Both teams line up in Samara as Chile take on Argentina

IMG_1042.jpg (161.8 KiB) Viewed 1365 times

Ghana strike the only goal in Sochi to beat Peru and secure a semi final place

France 4-3 Germany
The first World Cup semi final proved to be an absolute classic and match of the tournament so far as France came out on top in a seven goal thriller against Germany.

France raced out of the blocks and went 3-0 up, the first coming after just 14 seconds and with their first attack. Germany looked static at the back and every time France came forward it resulted in a goal. Two further strikes seemed to have put this semi final to bed before half time.

Germany restored hope with a goal following some good build up play, and French nerves were twitching even more as they clawed another goal back to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

The momentum was with Germany at this time, but again a lapse at the back allowed France to belt in another thunderous strike to go back two goals in front. Germany scored a consolation when a shot from outside the box was deflected in, but this was the last play in Saint Petersburg as France made it through to Sunday's showpiece final in Moscow (Luzhniki).

Attachments

France celebrate reaching the final despite conceding a late consolation against Germany, whose payers lay in tears on the pitch

IMG_1051.jpg (222.08 KiB) Viewed 1293 times

Hope restored for Germany who claw the score back to 3-2

IMG_1050.jpg (216.65 KiB) Viewed 1293 times

A quick counter attack makes it 3-0 to France who are seemingly out of sight in Saint Petersburg

IMG_1049.jpg (198.06 KiB) Viewed 1293 times

The post helps France take a 2-0 lead as Germany look shell shocked

IMG_1048.jpg (162.24 KiB) Viewed 1293 times

It takes France just 14 seconds to find the net, blowing what was expected to be a tight game wide open

Ghana 1-0 Argentina
Moscow (Luzhniki)'s semi final provided nowhere near as many goals as yesterday's but the drama was there from the first whistle right to the last as Ghana reached the World Cup final with a late winner against Argentina.

Ghana had the first chance of the game when a shot went wide, before a better chance when their midfielder dragged his effort wide of the far post after beating the keeper.

Argentina went close at the other end when the Gahan keeper turned their best chance around for another corner. Argentina struggled in open play to break Ghana down and were relying on set pieces, but couldn't make any of their corners count.

With the clock beyond time, Ghana's long throw in to the box fell nicely for an onrushing player who beat the keeper and the defenders on the line as Ghana scored the goal to send them in to Sunday's final.

Ghana have won all of their games 1-0 at this tournament bar their final group game - a 3-3 draw against Japan - although that result only confirmed Ghana as Group B winners after they'd already qualified.

Attachments

Ghana celebrate their winner and a place in Sunday's World Cup final

IMG_1055.jpg (154.68 KiB) Viewed 1233 times

Last minute strike which wins Ghana the game in Moscow (Luzhniki)

IMG_1054.jpg (192.33 KiB) Viewed 1233 times

Argentina go close at 0-0, a shot from a corner with the Ghana keeper tipping the effort wide for another corner

IMG_1053.jpg (196.72 KiB) Viewed 1233 times

Ghana's striker drags his effort wide of the far post in the first half

Germany 3-0 Argentina
Germany strolled to success in Saint Petersburg as they brushed aside Argentina to claim third place at the 2018 World Cup.

Both sides had early chances with the score goalless, Germany's winger forcing a good save before Argentina hit the post with an effort. A sweet strike just before the break gave Germany the lead, before they assured victory late on with a fine finish in to the bottom corner.

Argentina pressed for a consolation goal after hitting the post with their best chance of the game, but they were caught with a long ball which was blasted home to complete a 3-0 rout for Germany.

Meanwhile, Moscow (Luzhniki) is all-set for Sunday's World Cup final between France and Ghana. Full report to follow tomorrow as hundreds of qualifying games from across all the continents comes down to one final battle between Europe and Africa.

Attachments

Final scoreboard from Saint Petersburg

IMG_1075.jpg (126.28 KiB) Viewed 1161 times

Germany make it 3-0 with a break away goal

IMG_1074.jpg (160.66 KiB) Viewed 1161 times

A placed finish doubles Germany's lead to essentially kill off any chance of an unlikely Argentina comeback

IMG_1073.jpg (167.51 KiB) Viewed 1161 times

A super near post finish gives Germany the lead

IMG_1072.jpg (178.16 KiB) Viewed 1161 times

Moscow (Luzhniki) is set for Sunday's final showdown between France and Ghana

FRANCE 2-2 GHANA - AET, France win 4-3 on penalties
France lifted the 2018 World Cup by defeating Ghana 4-3 on penalties after a pulsating final at the Moscow Luzhniki Stadium.

France started on the front foot and had a couple of good chances before a deft finish from a corner gave them the lead as Ghana struggled in the early exchanges.

The African side soon settled and got themselves on level terms before the break with a goal on the counter attack. France had just seen a shot blocked which was destined for the net, and Ghana took full advantage by racing forward and finding the net via the post to equalise.

The game wore on and it looked like the next goal would be enough to win the World Cup, and a missed tackle at the back from Ghana allowed France to steal in and find the bottom corner despite the best efforts of the goalkeeper.

The game headed in to added time and Ghana pushed everything forward to try and save the final, and it didn't look to be their day when the France keeper made an excellent save to deny Ghana when he pushed a ferocious shot on to the crossbar.

The ball went out for a throw in and Ghana worked it well before a low shot beat the keeper this time to send Ghana wild as they'd forced extra time.

Both teams had an attack in extra time without forcing either keeper in to a save, so the final was to be decided on penalties.

The first seven penalties were immaculate as all were scored, giving France a 4-3 lead. Ghana missed when they hit the post which meant all the France midfielder had to do was score, but his spot kick was saved by the Ghana keeper.

All the pressure was on Ghana who had to score to send the shootout in to sudden death, but the France keeper got down well to save and push the penalty away to send the France fans in to raptures as they'd won the shootout and the World Cup!

Attachments

Ghana force extra time with a goal in the last seconds of added time

IMG_1080.jpg (209.6 KiB) Viewed 1136 times

An error at the back allows the France forward to steal in and find the net to make it 2-1

IMG_1079.jpg (196.33 KiB) Viewed 1136 times

Ghana equalise on the break after nearly falling two goals behind

IMG_1078.jpg (151.94 KiB) Viewed 1136 times

France take a deserved lead from a corner after their early pressure pays off

IMG_1077.jpg (129.26 KiB) Viewed 1136 times

Both teams line up for the final ahead of kick-off at Moscow (Luzhniki)

Don't know how many matches you have played from the start, but such a fantastic tournament certainly deserved this exciting and memorable Final, although it must be particularly hard to lose on penalties.

Who knows, the alternative event might eventually follow your lead and produce the same winners.